L I K A

THIS SHELTER restores native forests.

The LIKA prototype is currently being exhibited at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa campus next to the School of Architecture. The kit for this outdoor recreational structure is now available for purchase to support our mission for invasive species removal and native ecosystem restoration in Hawaiʻi.

Invasive to useful

We collected unwanted albizia wood from several removal projects on Oʻahu, including Lyon Arboretum, U.S. Army Schofield Barracks, and H-2 Mililani.

Island economy

Multi-sector collaboration has opened up the possibility to offer a system of all local resources from building materials to prefabrication.

Structurally TEsted

R&D testing of structural members was performed at UH Mānoa Structures Lab and has proven that albizia can be a viable construction material for Hawaiʻi.

Proof of concept

The prototype structure was built at full scale as proof of concept and is on display at the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa campus for 2018-2019.

Why Albizia?

Hawaiʻi grown albizia is the fastest growing tree species in the world and has been spreading across the Hawaiian Islands for over a century. It has caused a vast amount of damage to houses, roads, public infrastructure, and is a major threat to native ecosystems.